• Babysitting an infant is not always an easy task.infant image by Svetlana Bogomol from Fotolia.com
  
  Babysitting is the process of taking care of a baby or young child when the parents are away. Babysitters can be older children or teenagers in the neighborhood, or they can be professional caregivers. Babysitting is a job that demands a lot of responsibility, attention and care, especially if it involves infants. Babysitters must follow some safety precautions and basic guidelines to provide the best possible care to an infant.
  
  

Keep the Home Safe

• Safety of the infant must be the first concern of a good babysitter. Keep all doors and windows locked, and never open the door for strangers. If somebody calls on the phone, tell them that the parents are busy, not away.
  
  

Check on the Infant Often

• Whether the baby is asleep or awake, you must keep an eye on him. Young infants can be surprisingly mobile and must never be left unattended, even if they are sleeping. Make sure the baby is kept on a soft rug or towel on the floor when she is awake, or in the crib when she is sleeping.
  
  

Never Leave an Infant Unattended on Elevated Surfaces

• Falls from high chairs, changing tables and beds can be fatal to young infants. Never turn around or leave the infant alone even for a second when he is on an elevated surface. Never answer the phone unless the infant is on the floor and in clear view.
  
  

Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach

• Small toys, sharp items, matches, chemicals and household cleaners must be kept safely out of reach. Crawling infants can gain access to lower cupboards and cabinets that contain such hazardous items.
  
  

Look for Choking or Strangulation Hazards

• Cords or strings on blinds, ropes, small toys, some food items, clothing, and pillows can be dangerous to young infants. Avoid feeding an infant hard foods or fruits as they present a choking hazard. Look for hanging toys or clothes in the crib, and remove them before placing the sleeping baby in it.
  
  

Avoid Bathing an Infant Unless Instructed to Do So

• Bathing an infant is not easy, unless you are practiced and familiar with the task. If the parents ask you to bathe or change the infant, follow safety practices such as holding the infant all the time, never leaving her unattended, and monitoring water level and temperature carefully.
  
  

Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• CPR can be a lifesaver in times of emergency. The Heimlich maneuver is another important tool that can save the life of an infant who has choked on something.
  
  

Keep Contact Information Handy

• In case of an accident or an emergency, call 911 and provide accurate information about your location. You must also notify the parents promptly.
  
  

Follow Parental Instructions on Feeding

• Make sure you know where the baby's food and serving utensils are kept. Ask the parents if the baby is allergic to any foods. Also gather information about the baby's feeding schedule.
  
  

Keep the Infant Entertained

• Play with the baby when she is awake and alert. Games like peek-a-boo always entertain young babies. Make sure the baby stays away from uneven surfaces and that all staircases have safety gates.